Going to Las Vegas and hunting for a great tour? Try the trip that combines the fun of smooth-water rafting on the Colorado River with the thrill of a helicopter flight to the base of the Grand Canyon. Try this trip and you will have seen two of the West's greatest icons in ways that would make Indiana Jones green with envy.

This thrilling package deal commences with a 120-mile chopper ride from Vegas to Grand Canyon West, home of the Glass Bridge. Here you will drop over the edge and make a 4,000-foot descent to the bottom part. On the canyon's ancient floor, you'll toast your achievement with chilled Champagne before setting off to discover the surrounding area.

Back in the helicopter, you will make a spectacular ascent past imposing cliffs, knife-edged escarpments, and some of the most ancient uncovered rock on the planet before dropping in over the rim. Next you will transfer to a luxury motor coach that will take you to the base of Hoover Dam's 726-foot retaining wall for the beginning of your 11-mile smooth water float trip on the legendary Colorado River.

Up first is the new Mike O'Callaghan - Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge. This structure, the second tallest bridge in the U.S., springs up 840 feet across the river and spans 1,900 feet to connect Nevada with Arizona. Onward, your raft quietly glides on the river, passing caves, bubbly waterfalls, and freshwater springs before anchoring at Willow Beach (AZ) where one can go swimming, explore, or shop for souvenirs.

River guides are your answer to unlocking the secrets of the area. These specialized boatmen know the river instinctually, and possess an encyclopedic knowledge of the area's wildlife, historical past, and geology. Be on the alert: Lots of visitors report seeing secretive big horn sheep. It's normal practice to tip your guide if his services are outstanding.

This smooth water pontoon raft tour with chopper is all-inclusive and incorporates drinks, box lunch and free hotel shuttle service. Tours leave each morning and last 10 hours. Kids 4 years old and up are allowed. Life vests are supplied, and every raft includes U.S. Coast Guard-approved safety equipment. I highly recommend your bring a great deal of sun block, a hat, a swimsuit, and loose-fitting clothing.

For what you get, this tour is an complete deal. However, if you order it online, you'll receive this bundle much cheaper - often up to 35% off! I personally obtain all my river-helicopter tours on the Internet and have never had any problems. Pontoon rafts hold between 15 and 19 travelers. During summer season, trips sell out fast. It's wise to RSVP beforehand. If you purchase this tour the day of departure, count on paying a King's Ransom for it.

In my opinion, this is one of Las Vegas' best smooth-water float tours. Combining it with a helicopter ride to the bottom of the canyon just makes it better. Imagine, a single day, you will have experienced a region that took past explorers many months. That is the magic of this trip. And it is why I'm giving this adventure two thumbs up. Way up! I'll see you out on the river.